June 29th, 2017 Posted by
Mark Peper
Driving Safety
Motorcycles can be a source of fun and excitement for thrill seekers and casual cruisers alike. In South Carolina, it is important to note that you MUST wear a helmet if you are under the age of 21. For riders who are a little bit older though, it isn’t required. So, the short answer is no.
As a personal injury attorney, I have seen my fair share of injuries from motorcycles, and 9 times out of 10 the injuries are very serious. That said, I firmly believe it’s imperative that motorcyclists of all ages wear a helmet.
The MAIDS report (2009) says in a study of motorcycle accidents “…67% of all cases, the helmet was capable of preventing or reducing the head injury sustained by the rider”
Here are some quick statistics from the CDC about wearing motorcycle helmets.
• Helmets saved an estimated 1,630 lives and $2.8 billion in economic costs in 2013.
• The United States could have saved an additional $1.1 billion in 2013 if all motorcyclists had worn helmets.1
• Helmets reduce the risk of death by 37%
• Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69%
Common injuries while motorcycling without a helmet include:
• Concussions
• Facial fractures
• Brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Compound bone fractures
• Road rash and severe lacerations
• Burns
• Organ damage and internal bleeding
• Death
Please, practice safe driving on your motorcycle and by all means, WEAR A HELMET!
Tags: Car Crash, Legal Advice, Mark Peper, Motorcycle, Peper Law Firm, Safety